NBA Player Power Rankings: The Marathon For MVP Begins

Nov 9, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; Houston Rockets shooting guard James Harden (13) drives to the basket while guarded by San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) during the second half at AT&T Center. The rockets won 101-99. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

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Nov 5, 2016; San Antonio, TX, USA; San Antonio Spurs small forward Kawhi Leonard (2) drives to the basket past LA Clippers point guard Chris Paul (behind) at AT&T Center. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Kawhi Leonard, San Antonio Spurs

Position: Small Forward
Age: 25 (6/29/1991)
Experience: 6th Season
2016-17 Slash Line: .469/.389/.972
2016-17 Season Averages: 32.4 MPG, 27.4 PPG, 5.6 RPG, 3.1 APG, 2.3 SPG, 1.8 3PM

Kawhi Leonard has done more than just increase his production during the 2016-17 NBA regular season. He appears to be far more confident with the ball in his hands and has polished his ball-handling to the point of being able to drive on elite defenders.

The numbers have followed for Leonard, who’s well on his way to competing for his first career NBA MVP award.

Leonard’s been consistently superb aside from the clash with the Los Angeles Clippers. He dominated the Golden State Warriors with 35 points in the season opener and scored 30 points against the Sacramento Kings during the following outing.

Leonard also had games of 30 and 29 points against the Utah Jazz, and accumulated 27 points and six assists against the Miami Heat.

The numbers are impressive, but what’s truly impressive about Leonard is that he’s maintained his defensive proficiency. The two-time defending Defensive Player of the Year is averaging 2.3 steals and holding opponents below their average field goal percentage.

Leonard is already an NBA champion, Finals MVP, All-NBA First Team honoree, and two-time Defensive Player of the Year. MVP could be next.